Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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Retail bond paying 7.5% launches – should you buy it?
A new bond from care village operator Belong looks eye-catching but how do retail bonds work, and what are the risks?
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When is the Spending Review – and what could be announced?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing some difficult choices in the upcoming Spending Review, which will be unveiled on Wednesday. We look at what could be announced.
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Expats lose out on £26,000 in state pension over 15 years
More than 450,000 pensioners who retire abroad have their state pension “frozen” when they leave the UK. We explain how the policy works and which countries are affected
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Interest on late income tax payments soars to £513 million as HMRC hikes interest rate to its highest level since 2007
Those paying their tax bill late have been hit with millions of pounds of interest by HMRC since 2020. We explain how the interest rate works and what it means for your tax bill
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18 tips to cut your car insurance premiums
Tips Average car insurance premiums have fallen to a two-year low, following sky-high bills in 2023. We highlight clever tips to reduce your costs further
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The best shares to hold for perks and freebies
Features Some companies still offer shareholders perks and discounts. Here are some of our favourites
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Angela Rayner secret tax memo to Rachel Reeves: could these tax hikes become a reality?
As details emerge of a memo sent by Rayner to Reeves calling for a £4 billion tax raid on savers and investors, experts fear some of them might make an appearance in the Autumn Budget
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Six out of 10 retirees who accessed a pension didn’t use Pension Wise - how does the guidance service work?
Many pension savers don’t bother using the free government-backed service Pension Wise. So, how does it work, and could it be useful for you?
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How to do a mid-retirement MOT
You may have heard of a midlife MOT, but experts say a mid-retirement MOT is also essential to ensure your finances are on track and your pension savings last as long as you do
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Heat pump rules are changing: how to reduce the cost of installation
Tips The rules around installing a heat pump will change on 29 May, making it easier for some homeowners. We look at how much a heat pump costs, how the £7,500 government grant works, and other discounts available
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Is an inflation-linked annuity or a level annuity better value?
What makes more sense as a retirement plan: an inflation-linked annuity or a level annuity?
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What happens to your pension if you retire abroad?
Thousands of wealthy individuals are leaving the UK to avoid higher taxes. We look at what happens to your pension if you retire abroad.
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How to set up a pension if you're self-employed
Features Three-quarters of self-employed workers are not paying into a pension, meaning millions of people could be woefully unprepared for retirement. We explain the different pension options and reveal the best providers
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How many ISAs can I have?
New ISA rules mean savers can open and pay into multiple ISAs of the same type. But is this change available to everyone? We look at how many ISAs you can have in the current tax year
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Is now a good time to buy a house?
With mortgage rates falling, now could be a good time to buy a house
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150 banking hubs now open across UK – is there one near you?
As the 150th banking hub opens its doors, a Post Office deal that offers basic banking services has also been extended until 2030. We explain what this means for you
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Key money dates for 2025
We run through the key dates and big money changes coming up this year that could affect your financial health
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How you could cut your inheritance tax bill by £37,000
Regular gifting can reduce your inheritance tax bill by tens of thousands of pounds, new calculations show. We explain how the rules work.
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‘I installed a heat pump in my home – here are five things I’ve learnt’
From the size and noise of a heat pump to how much it costs to run one, Ruth Emery reveals what she’s learnt after installing one in her home six months ago
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What is the pensions dashboard?
Touted as a game-changer in how we manage our savings, the pensions dashboard initiative has been plagued by delays. So, what is it and when will it launch?
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Which investments can I hold in a stocks and shares ISA – and which ones are banned?
HMRC has a list stating which investments are allowed in ISAs, but sometimes investors, and even ISA providers, get confused by the rules. Here’s what you need to know when picking your investments.
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Investment platforms: how to avoid sub 2% interest rates on cash holdings and secure a better deal
Do you know how much interest the cash balance in your investment portfolio, ISA or Sipp earns? We lift the lid on the best and worst interest-payers – and explain what you can do about it
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Trump's first 100 days: investment winners and losers
Donald Trump triggered a rollercoaster on the stock markets during the first 100 days of his second presidency. We look at which funds, investment trusts and sectors have performed best and worst
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300,000 households at risk of losing hot water and heating as meter deadline looms – are you affected?
Households with Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) meters are at risk of losing hot water and heating when their electricity meters switch off from 30 June. We explain how to tell if you have an RTS meter and what you can do
